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HERD PERFORMANCE
All dairy clients of Farm Vet Solutions are
eligible to receive an annual review of vet
spend. This is calculated by a software
programme that interrogates the practice's
management system and collects data on
drugs and consultancy time for each farm.
Information on annual milk production is
entered into the programme and it can then
calculate the amount spent on herd health
per litre of milk produced.
Mike explains: ‘For dairy farms, the costs are
apportioned to four key areas: fertility, mastitis,
preventative treatments and 'sick cows'.
‘By being proactive to prevent disease and
ensure good fertility, we expect that veterinary
costs should not exceed 0.8p per litre of milk
produced. And the maximum spend on any of
the four main areas should be roughly no
more than 0.2ppl.
‘In the 12 month period from June 2012 to
May 2013, the Smiths spent 0.61ppl on
medicines and advice, see Figure 2. This is
well below the threshold for concern, and is
typical of well-run dairy herds.’
Fertility costs include the time spent on
routine fertility visits and any associated drug
treatments. Mike adds: ‘Some farmers can be
reluctant to have their vet make weekly or
fortnightly visits, seeing it as an extra cost for
the business to support. But, as can be seen
from the figures at Marriott Farm, it's costing
just 0.15ppl.
Nigel adds: ‘This is money very well spent.
Mike's checks allow problem cows to be
identified and appropriate action can be
taken sooner. It's a better option than letting
calving indexes extend, which is reckoned to
cost £3/cow/day.’
Mastitis costs include milking cow tubes
and any systemic injectable treatments
e.g. NSAIDs.
Mike adds: ‘At Marriott Farm, cell count has
fallen gradually over this past year, from
200,000 cells/ml in January, to a current
level of around 155,000. The spend of
0.09ppl reflects the good control that has
been achieved.
‘If mastitis costs rise above 0.2ppl for a farm,
it's time to take action and investigate more
thoroughly to identify the mastitis pathogens
involved, and actions required.’
In the costings analysis, the 'sick cow'
category literally refers to sick cows, and also
investigations, lameness, and any youngstock
health issues.
The 'preventative' category includes all
vaccines, dry cow tubes, teat sealant, and
pre-movement TB-testing. At Marriott Farm, this
is the biggest category, accounting for 41%
of veterinary costs.
Mike explains: ‘Disease prevention is where
the majority of investment in health should be
made. I'd rather see a relatively higher level
of spend in this category, and a much lower
spend in the disease treatment categories of
mastitis and sick animals.’
The Smiths' herd is vaccinated against BVD
and IBR, and leptospirosis is monitored
through bulk milk sampling. Johne's disease
is monitored via quarterly milk testing.
Nigel adds: ‘Cow numbers have reached
target, and we are planning to keep the herd
closed from now on.’
WINTER 2013/2014
LIVESTOCK MATTERS
8
The cost of good health
Mike has been supporting the Smiths
for seven years, and a good working
relationship has evolved. As well as
discussing current health issues, Nigel
and Suzanne discuss new ideas and
technology with Mike, and get his
veterinary opinion on them.
Nigel explains: ‘If I've a sick cow, then
I can call Mike and get some advice
over the phone. Sometimes it can be
resolved without needing a visit.’
Mike adds: ‘Farmers can help themselves
in keeping vet costs under control by
getting trained up on basic veterinary
tasks. Our practice runs a course every
year on techniques such as treatment of
bloated cows, stomach tubing, giving
intravenous injections and taking blood
samples. It's a day well spent.’
Self-help
Figure 1
Figure 2
Fertility paperwork